Flexible Automation and Integrated Manufacturing 1996

ISBN Print: 978-1-56700-067-2

THE DEVELOPMENT OF A GENERIC FRAMEWORK FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF CONCURRENT ENGINEERING

DOI: 10.1615/FAIM1996.510
pages 478-487

Resumo

The aim of this paper is to present a generic concurrent engineering implementation support framework. A methodology defining the introduction of concurrent engineering (CE) based product engineering processes is outlined. This is generic in nature but designed to be adaptable to specific company needs. This work has been carried out as part of the Brite-EuRam PACE (a 'Practical Approach to Concurrent Engineering') project. The primary aim of PACE is to provide a holistic technology transfer infrastructure enabling the effective and efficient change and improvement of present engineering practices towards concurrent engineering principles. Implementing CE successfully requires a huge cultural change in an organization. This paper presents how the generic implementation framework was derived and why the consortium considers it encapsulates the pertinent issues of change towards CE and addresses the holistic approach adopted by PACE. The framework is especially aimed at showing how to implement CE in an ordinary company i.e. not using a 'super-motivated' project team). It is based on the steps of change management in the specific context of CE and provides a structure for implementation, drawing on literature and experiences of the PACE industrial partners.